STEAM Toolkit

What is STEM → STEAM Education?

STEAM adds the Arts to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics centered education. By adding the A, we are educating the whole child by encouraging creativity, expression, and a whole brain approach to learning.

On May 7th, 2015, panelists from the worlds of education, the arts, policy, business, tech and media came together to share best practices, personal stories, scientific study, tools and ideas on STEAM education. The panel brought widespread awareness to STEAM and the fact that every child can learn and succeed through the Arts across all subject areas.

Reflect on your experience in school (K-12) with the arts, science, technology, engineering and math. What stands out and how are these experiences influencing your school decisions and activities for your child(ren)?

Talk with your child(ren) about their interests at school. What are they excited about? What is easy for them? What’s most challenging?

If they identify as being good at science, technology, engineering, math or the arts (music, visual, dance, theater, digital). Talk to your school principal to understand the school’s approach to STEM, the arts and STEAM.

If your child(ren) struggle in STEM and/or the arts, try to dig deeper to understand why that is. Is it because of a particular class or teacher? A friend or group of friends?

School administrators and teachers are always seeking better ways to engage with parents and the community. If you have the time and means to support, suggest a parent-driven community STEAM program.

Identify local business and organizational champions in your community like a community or state college, STEM or creative industry, chamber of commerce or economic development council, etc. Often times these groups have established STEM, arts and/or STEAM programs that they would be willing to partner on or expand in partnership with a school or district.